Keal Carlile

Another of Newcastle Thunder’s experienced and eye-catching signings for the 2019 season, Keal Carlile joins from Betfred Championship side Featherstone Rovers.

An incredibly experienced hooker, Carlile has been an integral part of The Colliers side over the last two seasons with over 60 appearances to his name.

Part of the history-making Featherstone side that became the first to beat the Toronto Wolfpack juggernaught over in North America, Carlile hails from Pontefract and is a product of the Bradford Bulls Academy.

In addition to four season’s worth of Championship experience at Post Office Road and Sheffield Eagles, Keal also brings with him Super League nous having played in the top division with Bradford, Huddersfield and Hull KR.

He is no stranger to the North East either having played on loan at Thunder whilst with the Robins, scoring two tries in his three appearances.

A natural leader who can guide his team about the park and blessed with a nice kicking game, Carlile is also solid and aggressive in defence and is set to compliment the incumbent hookers within the Thunder squad.